our partnerships in science and medicine and health bring us closer to new cures, harness new energy, and have helped transform us into high-tech hubs of our global economy. we stand together because we share a commitment to helping our fellow human beings around the world. when the earth shakes and the floods come, our doctors and rescuers reach out to help. when people are suffering from africa to asia, we partner to fight disease and overcome hunger. we stand together because peace must come to the holy land, for even as we are clear-eyed about the difficulties, we will never lose sight of the vision of an israel at peace with its neighbors. so as i begin this visit, let me say as clearly as i can, the united states of america stands with the state of israel because it is in our fundamental national security interest to stand with israel. it makes us both stronger. it makes us both more prosperous, and it makes the world a better place. that's why -- [ applause ] that's why the united states was the very first nation to recognize the state of israel 65 years ago. that's why the sta